Comptroller Sean Scanlon And Speaker Matt Ritter Announce Expansion Of The Hartford Flood Compensation Program
Program receives additional $4 million in funding and expands to now include non-resident property and business owners
(HARTFORD, CT) – Comptroller Sean Scanlon, House Speaker Matt Ritter, community partners, and victims of flooding gathered today to announce the expansion of the Hartford Flood Compensation Program (HFCP).
Originally launched last year, the HFCP is charged with providing financial assistance or reimbursement–for things such as repairs–to eligible owners or tenants of real property in the city of Hartford who experienced damage caused by flooding on or after January 1, 2021.
The Office of the State Comptroller distributed the initial allocation of $5 million to more than 300 Hartford residents. Thanks to legislation passed in the most recent session, more than $4 million in additional funds have been allocated to the program, and eligibility has been expanded to people who do not reside in Hartford but own businesses or property in the city.
“My office has been proud to administer this program, which has helped hundreds of Hartford residents who have been impacted by flooding in their community,” said Comptroller Scanlon. “Today’s announcement comes after assessing the needs of the city and hearing the concerns of residents and business owners. I’m grateful to be partnering with Speaker Ritter and the Hartford delegation to expand the program to those in need while also allocating additional funding. My office looks forward to continuing to work with residents, property owners, and Blue Hills Civic Association to ensure the community gets the help it deserves.”
“Expanding the Hartford Flood Compensation Program will allow small business owners to participate and continue to serve the community. The additional $4 million will help businesses and residents get the support they need to repair their properties from flood damage,” said Speaker of the House Matt Ritter. “This is a testament to the Greater Hartford African American Alliance, neighborhood residents, businesses, and advocates who directed a bright spotlight on the issue.”
“The Flood Compensation Program provides a lifeline to residents whose livelihoods are threatened by stormwater as a result of underfunded neighborhood infrastructure,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “This additional funding will allow more residents, business owners, and neighbors to take advantage of the program and make necessary repairs to their property without bearing the financial burden. I’m grateful to Comptroller Scanlon, Speaker Ritter, our state delegation, and our partners at every level for listening to the concerns of Hartford residents and helping us take a step in the right direction.”
“Blue Hills Civic Association is honored to be a partner with the Office of the State Comptroller on the Flood Compensation Program. We have seen the positive impact it has had on residents citywide – particularly in North Hartford,” said BHCA Executive Director Vicki Gallon-Clark. “Residents come through our doors feeling very anxious in the beginning. After we work with them on filling out and processing their application, they leave with a sense of relief and hopefulness. Also, they know that BHCA is here for them – explaining the next steps in the process and leaving the door open for them to come back with any follow up questions they might have.”
“The Hartford Flood Compensation Program’s assistance has been invaluable to the West Indian Social Club of Hartford during this challenging time,” said WISC Chairwoman Beverly Redd. “The funding provided will allow us to repair the damages caused by the flooding. This support not only alleviates the financial burden on the organization but gives us hope as we begin the restoration process.”
Hartford residents or property owners wishing to apply must visit osc.ct.gov/HartfordFlood or Blue Hills Civic Association (Colin Bennett Building: 1229 Albany Avenue, Third Floor, Suite 306, Hartford, CT) to obtain an application.
Download as PDF More News